Sam Houston State University - Institute For Homeland Security

In today’s “Research Spotlight,” we feature, “A Unique Win-Win: Bolstering Texas’ Energy Security by Leveraging Existing Infrastructure to Effectively Decarbonize" by Benjamin Dierker. The 2021 Texas Winter Storm Uri was a watershed moment for many Texans regarding energy security. The statewide incident exacerbated an increasing tension between climate-centric sustainability goals and power demands anchored to energy security. While environmental activists saw decarbonization as even more critical, traditional energy advocates saw the need for hydrocarbons and pointed out liabilities created by unpredictable wind and solar. Despite these views, through innovative collaboration, it may be possible to generate a scenario that benefits the Texas economy and delivers on the goals for all advocates. By making prudent use of existing infrastructure and embracing hydrocarbons, Texas can play a significant role in driving an economic resurgence that achieves greater decarbonization than a general shift toward renewables.   Dierker, Benjamin (2024) A Unique Win-Win: Bolstering Texas’ Energy Security by Leveraging Existing Infrastructure to Effectively Decarbonize. (Report No. IHS/CR-2024-1002). The Sam Houston State University Institute for Homeland Security. Click here to read the paper in its entirety: https://lnkd.in/gETFnB4v "IHS Research Spotlight" is a technical paper series hosted by the SHSU Institute for Homeland Security on our website, ihsonline.org. The non-partisan series features papers with various viewpoints & examines critical & timely issues facing homeland security. Click the link to visit the SHSU IHS research page. https://lnkd.in/g_WqHuq2 #shsuIHS #IHSResearchSpotlight

The latest episode of "Structurally Sound," the Sam Houston State University - Institute For Homeland Security podcast, is live! Our latest episode... "Future Water: Economic Impact on Small and Rural Communities." The vast majority of community water systems in Texas are rural, with 10,000 or fewer residential connections. That's also where most of our population growth is headed. How can small water systems plan, update and adapt their aging infrastructure? In this episode, the Structurally Sound team discusses resources and strategies for rural water and small communities with Ms. Lia Clark, Community Engagement Manager with the Water Finance Exchange, and Mr. Jason Knobloch, Deputy Executive Director with the Texas Rural Water Association. Click the link to check it out! https://lnkd.in/gu6z8nFu It's also available on these podcast services. Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gSgxiMMc Amazon Music: https://lnkd.in/ggbWyhxZ iHeartRadio: https://lnkd.in/gySYu7ui Do you have an idea for a podcast topic? Send us a tip at IHS@shsu.edu! #shsuihs #structurallysound

In today’s “Research Spotlight,” we feature, “Safeguarding Texas’ Wastewater Infrastructure: Key Threats and Imperatives" by Sofia Lehmann. Wastewater infrastructure stands as a critical yet vulnerable component of Texas’ essential services, and cities and towns in the state must be aware of several key threats to these systems. Though other utilities receive considerable political, media, and scholarly attention, it is crucial to also understand the pivotal role of wastewater systems as a dimension of critical infrastructure in the realms of public health and environmental protection. The aim of this report is to provide an overview of the problems and challenges that presently face Texas’ wastewater infrastructure, which demand renewed attention from both public and private spheres. Specifically, three primary threats endanger the integrity of Texas’ wastewater systems, each of which has far-reaching implications. First, Texas cities and towns must confront the problem of aging wastewater infrastructure, as many facilities have long surpassed their intended lifespans and are susceptible to failures and inefficiencies. Second, the state of Texas is uniquely vulnerable to natural disasters that pose a significant risk to the efficacy of wastewater systems and threaten to disrupt these services. Finally, the persistent issue of inadequate funding hampers efforts to modernize and fortify wastewater infrastructure, leaving these systems ill-prepared to meet current and future demands. By prioritizing infrastructure improvements, ensuring disaster mitigation, and locating mechanisms to secure funding, Texas cities can fortify their wastewater systems and ensure that they remain reliable, resilient, and responsive to the needs of their communities.   Lehmann, S. (2024). Safeguarding Texas’ Wastewater Infrastructure: Key Threats and Imperatives. (Report No. IHS/CR-2024-1028). The Sam Houston State University Institute for Homeland Security. Click here to read the paper in its entirety: https://lnkd.in/gUWwki85 "IHS Research Spotlight" is a technical paper series hosted by the SHSU Institute for Homeland Security on our website, ihsonline.org. The non-partisan series features papers with various viewpoints & examines critical & timely issues facing homeland security. Click the link to visit the SHSU IHS research page. https://lnkd.in/g_WqHuq2 #shsuIHS #IHSResearchSpotlight

In today’s “Research Spotlight,” we feature, “Adversarial Actors and Artificial Intelligence: Propaganda Processes and Threats to Critical Infrastructure" by Andrew P. Davis. The extension of artificial intelligence (AI) into the propaganda efforts of adversarial actors, across a range of organizations be they state-sponsored cyber attackers, or homegrown extremist organizations, or foreign terrorist organizations, represents a significant evolution in propaganda strategies. AI capabilities enhance the reach of propaganda through targeted messaging and convincing deepfake technology, posing new challenges for security agencies and policymakers. Examination of reported cases of terrorist AI use, including ISIS’ use of deepfakes, highlight the urgency of addressing these threats. Adversarial actors may also leverage AI technology to attack critical infrastructure systems. As AI technologies advance, counter-strategies must evolve to mitigate emerging threats effectively. Moreover, the ability of AI to automate propaganda dissemination, conduct sophisticated surveillance, and manipulate public perception through realistic fake content makes it a formidable tool for terrorists and challenge for counter terrorism operators. Addressing these challenges requires the development of robust AI detection tools, enhanced public awareness, and international collaboration to ensure a proactive and resilient approach to policing propaganda in the age of AI.   Davis, A. P. (2024). Adversarial Actors and Artificial Intelligence: Propaganda Processes and Threats to Critical Infrastructure. (Report No. IHS/CR-2024-1040). The Sam Houston State University Institute for Homeland Security. Click here to read the paper in its entirety: https://lnkd.in/g2iDZqpR "IHS Research Spotlight" is a technical paper series hosted by the SHSU Institute for Homeland Security on our website, ihsonline.org. The non-partisan series features papers with various viewpoints & examines critical & timely issues facing homeland security. Click the link to visit the SHSU IHS research page. https://lnkd.in/g_WqHuq2 #shsuIHS #IHSResearchSpotlight

In today’s “Research Spotlight,” we feature, “Leveraging Large Language Models for Behavior-Based Malware Detection Using Deep Learning" by Tosin Akinsowon and Haodi Jiang. Malware poses significant threats through cybercrime, fraud, scams and nationstate cyberwarfare, often resulting in irreversible data loss and substantial economic damages. Traditional antivirus solutions, relying on signature-based and heuristic-based detections, struggle against zero-day attacks. Heuristic methods analyze the behavior of programs to detect potentially malicious patterns, yet they still fall short when facing sophisticated malware. Furthermore, the adoption of Large Language Models (LLMs) such as GPT-4 and LLaMA by cyber attackers complicates the identification of malicious activities, increasing both alert fatigue and investigative costs. This proposal introduces a deep learning framework designed to overcome these limitations by utilizing artificial intelligence to analyze malware based on dynamic behavioral features captured in a controlled sandbox environment. The framework employs LLMs to abstract these behavioral features, thereby enhancing detection capabilities. This innovative approach not only promises to improve malware detection rates but also sets the stage for future advancements in cybersecurity technologies.   Akinsowon, T., & Jiang, H. (2024). Leveraging large language models for behavior-based malware detection using deep learning (Report No. IHS/CR-2024-1035). Sam Houston State University, Institute for Homeland Security. Click here to read the paper in its entirety: https://lnkd.in/ggnxTrY9 "IHS Research Spotlight" is a technical paper series hosted by the SHSU Institute for Homeland Security on our website, ihsonline.org. The non-partisan series features papers with various viewpoints & examines critical & timely issues facing homeland security. Click the link to visit the SHSU IHS research page. https://lnkd.in/g_WqHuq2 #shsuIHS #IHSResearchSpotlight

In today’s “Research Spotlight,” we feature, “Risk to Critical Infrastructure Due to Dependence on Access to Space-based Capabilities" by Jim Platt. This paper is intended for owners and operators of US Critical Infrastructure with core business functions reliant on access to space-based capabilities. While the paper will discuss risk to space assets, the intent is not to address the security and resilience of the space systems, but rather to highlight the risk to space-based assets so that companies choosing to use space-based can make more informed risk-based decisions. The commercial space industry is in its infancy. The World Economic Forum and McKinsey & Company report projects that the commercial space industry will grow from $630 billion in 2023 to over $1.8 trillion by 2035. Many of the new capabilities will only be feasible because we have access to space. If GPS is an exemplar, space-based capabilities may replace existing terrestrial based systems, the terrestrial based systems they replace will fall into disuse and eventually cease to operate. Each time this occurs, our dependence on access to space will grow. Space has unique risks such as when systems fail there is no possibility for on-site repair.   Platt, Jim. (2024). Risk to Critical Infrastructure Due to Dependence on Access to Space-Based Capabilities (Report No. IHS/CR-2024-1032). The Sam Houston State University Institute for Homeland Security. Click here to read the paper in its entirety: https://lnkd.in/g9_8QAth "IHS Research Spotlight" is a technical paper series hosted by the SHSU Institute for Homeland Security on our website, ihsonline.org. The non-partisan series features papers with various viewpoints & examines critical & timely issues facing homeland security. Click the link to visit the SHSU IHS research page. https://lnkd.in/g_WqHuq2 #shsuIHS #IHSResearchSpotlight

In today’s “Research Spotlight,” we feature, “Artificial Intelligence and Critical Infrastructure" by Brooke Nodeland. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly used by both public and private sector partners to advance cybersecurity best practice, however, the threat posed by these, and other contemporary threats cannot be understated. The threats posed by AI can be observed every day in email fraud, phishing attacks, and other types of malicious intrusion, with the potential for significant threats to more victims through larger scale attacks. There is further concern about AI tools being leveraged to directly target industrial critical infrastructures, including transportation, pipelines, energy, and other services whose networks are increasingly interconnected (Rinalidi, Peerenboom, & Kelly, 2001). Additionally, cyber threats from actors both foreign and domestic aimed at undermining public trust in government institutions, social cohesion, and the democratic process (Department of Homeland Security, 2023). Combined, these threats have the potential to wreak havoc on the American way of life. Living off the land (LOTL) attacks have become the hallmark for AI based cyber-attacks and have been linked to disruptions in critical infrastructure services in the United States in abroad. LOTL techniques utilize existing legitimate network tools to carry out their attacks, and no longer require physical intrusion into a cyber network (Lenaerts-Bergmans, 2023). Since these attacks do not require an attacker to install any code or script within a target system, these types of attacks are more difficult to detect allowing hackers to remain undetected in a victim system’s environment for an extended period of time (Lenaerts-Bergmans, 2023). Protecting industrial networks and systems, therefore, requires that AI be used responsibly and effectively to enhance the cybersecurity of the very systems that are being threatened. The following paper discusses the connection between AI and critical infrastructures, identifies significant threats posed by AI, as well as the use of AI in cybersecurity to secure essential networks in critical infrastructure.   Nodeland, Brooke Ph.D. (2024) Risk and Rewards: Artificial Intelligence and Critical Infrastructure (Report No. IHS/CR-2024-1014). The Sam Houston State University Institute for Homeland Security. Click here to read the paper in its entirety: https://lnkd.in/gxeVhXzE "IHS Research Spotlight" is a technical paper series hosted by the SHSU Institute for Homeland Security on our website, ihsonline.org. The non-partisan series features papers with various viewpoints & examines critical & timely issues facing homeland security. Click the link to visit the SHSU IHS research page. https://lnkd.in/g_WqHuq2 #shsuIHS #IHSResearchSpotlight

The latest episode of "Structurally Sound," the Sam Houston State University - Institute For Homeland Security podcast, is live! Our latest episode... "A Dry Tap: Water Supply Challenges." There are at least two ways of approaching water challenges. - Conserving and maximizing the water we have. - Strategizing solutions for water we don't have. This is especially true in the Rio Grande Valley. In this episode... the Structurally Sound team discusses these topics with the newly appointed Chairwoman of the Texas Water Development Board, L'Oreal Stepney, and Assistant Texas Agriculture Commissioner, Dan Hunter. We also explore an important water treaty with Mexico that was amended last year. To learn more... check out the articles below. Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy https://lnkd.in/gSYVe68w The Texas Tribune https://lnkd.in/gr4pxF46 Click the link to check it out! https://lnkd.in/gu6z8nFu It's also available on these podcast services. Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gSgxiMMc Amazon Music: https://lnkd.in/ggbWyhxZ iHeartRadio: https://lnkd.in/gySYu7ui Do you have an idea for a podcast topic? Send us a tip at IHS@shsu.edu! #shsuihs #structurallysound

In today’s “Research Spotlight,” we feature, “Recommendations for Strengthening Local Infrastructures for Clean Water in the United States" by Eric J. Connolly. Several households in the Unites States face issues of poor water quality. While water is essential for healthy human development and is one of the most plentiful nature resources on earth, existing research suggests that many Americans live in communities where water systems are outdated and violate Clean Water Act standards. The current report provides a summary of violations in states and territories in the United States, identifies infrastructure vulnerabilities that could be contributing to these violations, and offers recommendations on how to strengthen these weaknesses that have contributed to a nationwide environmental injustice.    Connolly, Eric J. (2024). The Water Crisis: Recommendations for Strengthening Local Infrastructures for Clean Water in the United States (Report No. IHS/CR-2024-1031). The Sam Houston State University Institute for Homeland Security. Click here to read the paper in its entirety: https://lnkd.in/gK995ZZZ "IHS Research Spotlight" is a technical paper series hosted by the SHSU Institute for Homeland Security on our website, ihsonline.org. The non-partisan series features papers with various viewpoints & examines critical & timely issues facing homeland security. Click the link to visit the SHSU IHS research page. https://lnkd.in/g_WqHuq2 #shsuIHS #IHSResearchSpotlight

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